THE CROPS

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

NON-LEGUMES
This group includes a variety of grains, grasses and edible green manures.

BARLEY(Hordeum sp. ), a valuable grain, makes an excellent fast-growing spring cover crop. It does well in cooler temperatures and tolerates alkaline soils. Sow in spring or fall.

BUCKWHEAT ( Fagopyrum esculentum ), a weed-smothering broad-leaved annual, reaches heights of two to four feet. This warm-season grain germinates in days, grows rapidly and can be easily tilled under in as little as five to six weeks. Sow spring through midsummer, after all danger of frost has passed.

CEREAL OR WINTER RYE ( Secale cereale ) is an aggressive annual and the most winter-hardy of all cereal grains. It also tolerates drought better than other grains. Its vigorous root system is excellent for improving soil structure, but you'll need a heavy-duty tiller to turn it under. Triticale, a cross between rye and wheat, is a good substitute. Plant spring through fall, up to three weeks before ground freezes.

KALE ( Brassica oleracea ) is a vigorous, cold-resistant member of the cabbage family. After you've harvested your patch for food, till the rest of this winter-hardy annual back in to add iron and copious amounts of organic matter to the soil. Grow any crop the following year except members of the cabbage family. Sow in spring or fall.

MUSTARD ( Brassica sp. ) is a winter-hardy annual that tolerates cool, wet soil. Its deep roots mine the subsoil for nutrients. Sow in spring or fall.

OATS ( Avena sativa ) are a fast-growing grain, especially in cool weather, and are good for adding quick organic matter to the soil. Sow anytime in spring, summer or fall; fall-sown crops will winter-kill in most areas of the country, leaving behind a protective stubble that can be tilled under in spring.

RYEGRASS ( Lolium multiflorum ) is a fast-growing, robust annual that provides a dense blanket of green and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, even heavy, wet clay. Its extensive fibrous root system goes deep into the soil. Great winter cover in mild areas, though if winter-killed it will still help protect the soil. Sow in spring or fall.

SUDAN GRASS ( Sorghumsudanense ) is a weed-suppressing summer annual growing up to six feet tall. It does best in heat and humidity, is drought-tolerant and good for nematode-troubled soil. Sow in spring and summer.

WINTER WHEAT ( Triticum aestivum ) is a dependable, winter-hardy grain that grows best in cold-winter areas. It germinates quickly, growing an extensive fibrous root system. Sow in late summer or fall.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print